In the event your computer fails, and you are not carrying a back-up computer:

In the event your computer fails, and you are not carrying a back-up computer:

• A. End the dive and make a slow ascent and safety stop.
• B. Stop for two minutes at 6 m/20 ft and five minutes at 3 m/10 ft.
• C. Do not get back in the water for at least 24 hours.
• D. Both the first and third answers are correct.

Answer: (D)

When a dive computer fails and you have no backup, the priority is to manage nitrogen safely without relying on a device you can’t trust. End the dive with a slow, controlled ascent and perform a safety stop to allow nitrogen to off-gas gradually, reducing the risk of decompression illness. After surfacing, do not dive again for at least 24 hours because you can’t accurately track nitrogen loading or remaining no-decompression limits for a new dive without a functioning computer. This conservative approach protects you from potential DCS when you’re uncertain about your actual nitrogen state.

When a dive computer fails and you have no backup, the priority is to manage nitrogen safely without relying on a device you can’t trust. End the dive with a slow, controlled ascent and perform a safety stop to allow nitrogen to off-gas gradually, reducing the risk of decompression illness. After surfacing, do not dive again for at least 24 hours because you can’t accurately track nitrogen loading or remaining no-decompression limits for a new dive without a functioning computer. This conservative approach protects you from potential DCS when you’re uncertain about your actual nitrogen state.